MLR Announce 2021 Season Dates: Start March 20th, End August 1st
MLR announced the parameters of its 2021 season with a season start of March 20th and an end date of August 1st. In between will be an 18 week regular season, topped off by an Eastern and Western conference final and a League final.
One of the schedule conflicts will be with the July test window. USA and Canada are tentatively scheduled to host England (minus Lions players) on July 10th and 24th respectively. There will likely be other summer tests announced as well. The uncertainty around COVID could see some changes to schedules.
Western Conference
Austin Gilgronis
Dallas Jackals
Houston SaberCats
LA Giltinis
San Diego Legion
Seattle Seawolves
Utah Warriors
Eastern Conference
New England Free Jacks
New Orleans Gold
Rugby United New York
Old Glory DC
Rugby ATL
Toronto Arrows
from MLR
In advance of its fourth season, Major League Rugby today announced its 2021 season will start with matches on March 20, 2021 and will continue for 18 weeks of regular season action. Thirteen teams spread across North America will be competing to make the MLR Playoffs. At the conclusion of the regular season the MLR playoffs will be contested over two weeks of Eastern and Western Conference finals with the Championship Final to be held August 1.
We are looking forward to Major League Rugbys fourth season being a powerful return for professional rugby in North America, said MLR Commissioner George Killebrew. Were confident that this season is going to be groundbreaking for MLR with the expansion to 13 teams and plans to ramp up the fan experience like never before. March 20 is going to be a great day when Major League Rugby returns.
Like many major professional sports around the globe, due to the pandemic MLR adjusted its 2020 season schedule and turned its attention to ensuring the league would rebound with a strong showing in 2021. League and team officials have been diligently working to build strong rosters and enhance the fan experience for the upcoming season. Matches will be televised on CBS Sports Network and Fox Sports 2 among other national and local market platforms. The MLR Championship will be broadcast on CBS Television Network on Sunday, August 1.
In advance of the regular season, training camps for all MLR teams will begin February 15. There will be a variety of pre-season activities in each market as well as national media day where each team will provide standout players for national and international media availability.